Senator Peralta Announces $75,000 in State Funding for New Cleaning Services in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst

Today, State Senator Jose Peralta unveiled a job training and work experience program for the homeless that will provide new cleaning services along a stretch of Roosevelt Avenue. The Senator secured a $75,000 state allocation for the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE), the nonprofit that will provide these services in Jackson Heights and Elmhurst. Board members and staff of ACE joined Senator Peralta during the announcement. 

The state funding will allow ACE to offer cleaning services along Roosevelt Avenue between 82^nd and 90^th Street. The program, which will create two full-time jobs, will run from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Workers will be operating seven days a week from 9 A.M. until 5 P.M.

“Programs like the one put forth by ACE are essential to providing New Yorkers with an opportunity to get back on their feet. New York City has been facing a homeless crisis for years, but I am sure this initiative will help some of our less fortunate New Yorkers get a job and job training to get out of that cycle and back into the workforce. In addition, these workers will also contribute to increase the quality of life in the community. In this particular case, along a busy stretch of Roosevelt Avenue, one of the most active thoroughfares in the City,” said Senator Peralta.   

“This work experience will provide the participants with a safety net, and hopefully it will lead them to full-time, permanent jobs. In this case, the same team will be operating in this area of Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, allowing for neighbors, shoppers and business owners to know the workers who will help keep the place nice and clean,” said Senator Peralta.   

“For 25 years, ACE has been helping New Yorkers with employment barriers get back into the workforce and on a path to self-sufficiency, while at the same improving the quality of life for all New Yorkers. With this allocation Senator Jose Peralta is helping ACE put New Yorkers back to work, while making sure that Roosevelt Avenue (from 82^nd Street to 90^th Street) is clean and beautiful for residents, businesses and visitors to enjoy,” said Jim Martin, Executive Director, The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless. “We are very proud to join Senator Peralta in his efforts to keep the district looking beautiful. We consider it an honor and a privilege to be invited into this community and we look forward to getting to work!”